Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt 7 1/4-inch Circular Saw Review

Metabo HPT’s Third-Generation Circular Saw Introduces Torque Boost Technology

Metabo HPT is no stranger to high-performance cordless saws, and the latest 36V MultiVolt Circular Saw (C3607DB) enters the ring with some impressive claims. It boasts some improved numbers in both speed and torque, which, on paper, make it look like a compelling option for Pro-grade applications.

But you know us…We like to find out for ourselves.

We put the C3607DB through our standard battery of tests to see how it stacks up against some of the top cordless circular saws on the market. I’ll show you what we discovered.

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Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Circular Saw Performance

Editor’s Note: To control variables in our head-to-head testing with this saw, we strapped the same dust collection hose we used on our other saws, even though this model does not include a vac adapter.

Speed and Cutting Power

If there’s one area where this saw wants to make a statement, it’s power.

Metabo HPT claims the C3607DB is more than 25% faster and delivers 40% more torque than the previous generation. That’s a substantial jump, especially for a saw that already had a solid reputation among the trades and our crew.

In standard mode, this saw’s brushless motor delivers a maximum no-load speed of 6,000 RPM. Using the new Torque Boost mode, it drops the speed to 4,300 RPM and redirects its power to higher torque levels.

Along with those speeds, you get a max cut depth of 2 7/16 inches at 90°, and 1 7/8 inches when cutting at 45°.

For me, the headline performance feature is Torque Boost Technology. To engage it, you press a dedicated button that switches over to handle thicker lumber, wet framing material, and denser engineered lumber products. Instead of bogging down during demanding cuts, you can manually shift the saw into low gear and prioritize brute cutting force when you need it most.

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Depth and Bevel Adjustment

Metabo HPT’s design team didn’t stray too far from the norm with their depth and bevel adjustment levers. To adjust the cut depth, simply flip the metal lever located between the grip and upper guard and move the shoe to your desired depth. While Metabo HPT’s design includes stamped depth markings, they’re a little hard to read. It’s not a major issue, but it may take a little more time to dial in precise adjustments.

Moving to the front, you have the bevel adjustment. Just like the depth adjustment, all you need to do is flip the lever and pivot the shoe. There is a positive stop at the 45° mark, but this saw has a max bevel of 55°, which is pretty impressive for a sidewinder. If you want to move beyond 45°, you’ll need to manually slide the adjustment pin upward to allow it to slide a little further.

Dust Collection

So, this is an interesting topic for the C3607DB. The reason for this is that although it has a threaded hole on the upper blade guard for a dust port, the saw doesn’t ship with one. Moreover, they are not available from Metabo HPT or aftermarket sources either.

It’s not a serious dealbreaker for us, but if you’re the kind of Pro who prefers to contain your circular saw mess with a vacuum, you may want to consider another model.

Hands-On Testing

We just wrapped up testing twelve of the top circular saws on the market, and Metabo HPT turned out to be quite the competitor. We ran each saw through a series of tests designed to showcase brute strength, usability, and cutting capability. Here’s a quick look at each of our tests:

• Rip Cut: We timed each saw on a sled, making an 84-inch rip cut in double-stacked 3/4-inch OSB subfloor
• Full-Depth Rip Cut: We set each saw to its maximum cut depth and performed the same 84-inch cut in triple-stacked OSB
• Common Cuts: We made a series of common cross-cuts in 2×10 lumber and rated sightlines, guard action, and ease of use.

Getting started, we set up our testing rig and loaded in the sheets of OSB and prepared to make our rip cuts. The C3607DB ripped through the wood with an average time of 10.57 seconds, making it the fastest model in our lineup. This test was conducted in the standard mode, so the blade was running at 6,000 RPMs.

Next, we moved to the full depth test. Once again, this saw took the gold medal, completing the run in 16.37 seconds. That’s more than a full second faster than the next closest competitor, Milwaukee’s 2834.

What really impressed us throughout these two tests was Metabo HPT’s strength. These are challenging tasks for any saw, but the C3607DB never showed signs of slowing or bogging down. To us, that’s pretty impressive.

For our last tests, we made a series of common cross cuts to see how the lower blade guard would perform as it made contact with the lumber, feel for chatter and vibration, and whether there was any left/right drift.

Unsurprisingly, the C3607DB successfully made our standard cross and beveled cuts with ease. The lower guard lifted easily and glided over the wood without issue. We didn’t detect any blade chatter, and it didn’t try to stray from our cutline.

Next, we upped the ante with a few compound miter cuts. This is a fairly uncommon cut for most folks, but it’s absolutely crucial for framing and roofing Pros. For this test, we set the bevel to 45° and made a few cuts on a right and left 45° miter.

On the right-hand cuts, we were forced to manually lift the lower guard in order to even begin the cut, whereas the left-hand cuts presented no issues at all. The reason for this is that the front edge of the lower guard is cast with a slight angle, hindering its ability to roll up and over the board. This isn’t unheard of, and it’s something Pros who make these cuts regularly have likely dealt with.

As I mentioned before, compound miter cuts are pretty uncommon for most folks, so I don’t see this as a deal-breaker.

Torque Boost

After completing our standard tests, I still had one more question—does the Torque Boost Technology really make a difference? To find out, I dusted off one of our older tests, affectionately labeled as the “jam cut”. For this, I set up a standard 2×12 board and pushed the saw through the cuts as fast as possible. Now, for posterity, this won’t produce the cleanest or most accurate cuts. But it will demonstrate how the motor performs under intense load.

I started the test in standard mode to establish a baseline. Even without the extra torque, the C3607DB sailed through the board without issue. Granted, I could definitely hear the RPMs drop, but the motor never stalled. This inspired a great deal of confidence as I moved to the next phase.

Next, I engaged the Torque Boost Mode and made the same cuts…and this is where things got interesting. The extra torque was noticeable, but the overall cut time was slightly longer than in standard mode. The difference? No drop in RPMs.

The brushless motor ripped through the plank with the confidence of a corded worm drive saw and never showed any signs of stopping. This is a big win for Metabo HPT.

Overall, I think this saw performed really well throughout most of our tests. It clearly has plenty of strength to make demanding cuts and only struggled during a niche framing task. So for that, we give it two thumbs up.

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Circular Saw Design

Size and Weight

This saw has a lightweight design, weighing just 8.3 pounds as a bare tool and 10.5 pounds with the kitted 4.0Ah battery. Some contributing factors to this lower weight here are the stamped aluminum shoe and magnesium blade guards. These are becoming more common across the industry, and for good reason.

Ergonomics

Like the previous model, the C3607DB features a blade-right design with a generous amount of rubber overmolding across the grip. Moreover, the grip angle is easy to engage while cutting with one or two hands.

Personally, I really like the feel of this saw. It’s well-balanced, easy to maneuver, and the grip fits well in my medium-sized hands.

On top of a good overall feel, this saw has excellent sightlights and clear markings on the shoe to help keep your cut accurate.

Power Options

The last factor I’ll address with this saw is that it’s compatible with Metabo HPT’s corded AC adapter. This is a huge benefit for Pros, and it means you have the option to work with either unlimited runtime or cordless freedom.

Additional Features

• Folding Rafter Hook: Easily stow your saw on a sawhorse or 2x material as you work
• LED light: Illuminate your sight lines for improved accuracy

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Circular Saw Price

This circular saw retails for $209 as a bare tool, and $379 as a kit that includes a 4.0Ah MultiVolt battery and charger. Metabo HPT backs your purchase with a lifetime warranty.

Now, $379 for a kit isn’t exactly cheap. However, when you compare it to other top brands like Makita ($609), Milwaukee ($499), and Flex ($439), you can see the C3607DB as a true value leader.

Should You Buy It?

The Metabo HPT doesn’t try to completely reinvent its 36V circular saw. Considering how well the previous version performed in our tests, it didn’t need to. Still, it refines a proven formula with more power, smarter ergonomics, and some extra torque for when the going gets tough. After putting it through our full battery of tests, one thing is clear: Metabo HPT built a circular saw that can run with the best in the business—and in a few areas, it may just beat them.

Like its predecessor, the C3607DB is a top-tier cordless circular saw for Pros who demand the highest performance. If you value corded and cordless operation, it’s hands-down the best option.

If you have the previous version and are wondering if it’s worth upgrading, I don’t think the Torque Boost mode is enough to justify it unless you feel like you’re bogging down too often. I’d stick with what you already have.

If you’re considering this against Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt, there are too many variables to make a one-size-fits-all recommendation. This saw can certainly keep up in performance, but what may be the swing vote for some Pros is Metabo HPT’s lower price tag and lifetime warranty.

Specs

• Model: Metabo HPT C3607DB
• Power Source: Metabo HPT 36V battery or AC adapter (sold separately)
• No-Load speed: 6000 RPM
• Max Bevel: 55°
• Max Cut Depth:
  • 90°: 2 7/16 in.
  • 45°: 1 7/8 in.
  • 55°: 1 8/16 in.
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Weight: 8.3 lbs (bare tool), 10.5 lbs (with 4.0Ah battery)
• Length: 13.2 inches